The meeting with Ironwood passed faster than Jaune had expected.
It wasn't rushed, but it was precise and focused, methodical in a way that mirrored the man himself. The General's questions circled around Jaune's father, his involvement with Sleepless, and the circumstances that led to his disappearance. He asked about timelines, names and fragments of conversations Jaune barely remembered. He asked about intentions and even about motives. Finally, Ironwood asked whether Jaune believed his father had acted out of conviction, desperation, or fear.
Jaune answered as honestly as he could.
There were gaps he obviously couldn't fill. Memories that blurred together and things that were speculation as best. Even so, Ironwood listened intently, fingers steepled and eyes never leaving Jaune's face. When the subject of the Supreme Rune of Knowledge arose, there was a subtle shift. Not a reaction that most people would notice. A brief tightening at the corner of Ironwood's eyes. A stillness that lasted a fraction of a second longer than necessary.
Jaune only caught it because his weakness sense flickered softly, like a warning bell struck underwater.
Ironwood said nothing about it. He simply nodded, thanked Jaune for his candor, and moved on.
When the questioning concluded, Ironwood dismissed them with a final instruction to Winter. They needed to be properly integrated into Atlas LUCID operations. Their spawn points would need to be reassigned, equipment updated and presence logged.
Winter acknowledged the orders crisply, and that was that.
Once they stepped back out into the corridors, the atmosphere shifted. The tension that had settled over Jaune's shoulders during the interview loosened, replaced by a quieter curiosity.
This was the first time that Jaune had met with another rank 3 besides Ozpin. There were many differences between the two, yet there were many similarities as well. Like Ozpin, the sense of weakness that he could usually feel from all beings was non-existent in Ironwood. Even earlier, when his weakness sense pinged off, it was reaction more to the man's emotion rather than his physical state of weakness.
It made Jaune wonder if Rank 3's had some sort of physical body evolution that somehow removed the concept of weak-points from them.
Afterwards, Winter took the lead without ceremony, guiding them through the Atlas LUCID facility, while Weiss followed her like pecking chick.
"This is primarily for the both of you," she said, glancing briefly at Blake and Jaune. "I know most of it already."
They started with the cafeteria, which was larger and more regimented than the one in Vale. Long rows of tables filled the space, illuminated by clean white light. Nutritional information hovered beside each serving station, tailored to awakened physiology. Operatives ate efficiently and conversations were subdued but not absent. There was laughter here and there but more restrained. Different from Vale's branch.
"The food here is optimized for recovery," Winter explained. "You will find fewer indulgences than in Vale."
Jaune suspected Nora would riot.
Next came the research labs. These were far more extensive than the ones Jaune had seen before. Entire wings were devoted to studying Grimm biology, rune interactions, and dynamics. Massive glass partitions separated researchers from contained experimental equipment. Blake slowed slightly here, eyes sharp as she studied everything she passed. Jaune felt the hum of restrained power everywhere, the sense that Atlas was constantly pushing against the limits of what awakened technology could do.
The operations room followed. A vast circular chamber dominated by a central holo table displaying shifting maps of Atlas's Dream Realm and its surrounding territories. Grimm density, patrol routes, emergency alerts, and energy readings layered over one another in complex patterns. Officers and analysts worked in coordinated silence, relaying information with clipped efficiency.
"This is where most decisions are made," Winter said. "At least the ones that cannot wait."
From there they moved through the armory, hangar bays, simulation rooms, and storage areas. The armory alone dwarfed anything Jaune had seen before. Racks of weapons lined the walls, ranging from conventional melee arms to advanced runic constructs. Some hummed softly with contained energy. Others sat dormant, their purpose unclear but undeniably dangerous.
The hangar bay opened up into a cavernous space where aircraft rested like sleeping beasts. Sleek fighters. Heavy transports. Experimental Titan class frames Jaune that could not even identify. The scale of Atlas military power settled in his chest like a weight.
The simulation rooms differed from Vale's in both design and philosophy. While LUCID simulations focused heavily on Grimm encounters and nightmare terrain, Atlas simulations emphasized coordinated combat, urban defense, and large scale operations. Everything was structured, controlled and precise.
Eventually, Winter led them back to the armory.
"This is where you will retrieve your equipment for the Dream Realm," she said.
Jaune paused. "But our weapons are still topside."
"I'm aware," Winter replied. "They will remain there for now, and you can use them tomorrow when you accompany my sister to the Schnee mansion."
She gestured to a series of workstations where technicians waited. "Since you were unable to bring your own rune frame armor from Vale. Atlas will provide replacements."
Blake tilted her head slightly. "Temporary?"
"Well, considering that you cannot bring them back to Vale on flight, they will have to be temporary." Winter confirmed.
The technicians worked quickly. Measurements were taken and preferences noted. Jaune found himself handed a set of weapons that felt immediately familiar in weight and balance, even if their designs were a little different. The metals gleamed with a subtle sheen, etched with a monomolecular edge that seemed to cut the very light when he touched them.
Blake received her own set, a katana which was streamlined and elegant, designed for speed and precision. Weiss's equipment seemed to be particular more interesting than Jaune's and Blakes. Her's was apparently made with greater runic energy channeling properties that matched her rune functions.
Later, they were assigned lockers, each marked with their names and IDs. Changing rooms followed. Jaune took a moment to adjust to the new rune frame armor as it settled around him, responding to his body stat and syncing to his movements. It felt different from his usual gear, slightly sleeker in design, but not in a bad way. Just a little unfamiliar.
Once they were ready, Winter led them onward again.
The pod room was enormous.
Rows upon rows of pods lined the chamber, each one softly illuminated. Some were occupied, with their users already submerged in the process of linking to the Dream Realm. Others stood open, and waiting. Operatives moved in and out and technicians monitoring readings from elevated platforms.
"This is where your spirit spawn point will be reassigned," Winter explained. "Your connection was already severed from Vale and will longer be anchored there. Atlas will temporarily become your new point of return."
Winter turned to them, her expression serious but calm. "I will meet you in the Dream Realm. There are Grimm here you have probably not encountered before. Their behaviors are a little different. More aggressive and tactical in certain conditions."
Blake nodded and Weiss straightened, her expression composed but intent.
Jaune took a steady breath, stepping toward his assigned pod. Whatever awaited them in Atlas, it was clear this place did not do things halfway.
As the pod closed around him, the last thing he saw was Winter's reflection in the glass, watching them with sharp, watchful eyes.
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Winter stood at the center of simulation the room with her arms folded behind her back wearing authoritative body language as if it were her second skin.
"This environment is controlled," she said calmly. "However, everything you see will be relatively accurate to field conditions. I will make sure they are paused when necessary."
At her gesture, the room ahead of them shimmered. The air thickened, and pixels folded inward as a massive shape began to take form.
The first Grimm to emerge was a Beringel.
Calling it a gorilla did it no justice. It towered over the ruined cityscape projected beneath it, easily the height of a small house. Its arms were thick pillars of muscle, ending in massive fists that could crush concrete. Its hide was layered in dense white plating with markings of red light pulsing faintly beneath the surface like embers trapped under obsidian. Its face was twisted into a permanent snarl, glowing eyes locked forward with predatory intelligence.
"Beringels are powerful pack oriented Grimm," Winter explained. "They do not roam alone. If you see one, assume there are more nearby."
As if to emphasize her point, the projection shifted. The lone Beringel was joined by two more, then three, then four, each emerging from different angles of the ruined street. They moved with surprising coordination, spreading out, cutting off escape routes.
"They commonly manifest two different primary rune types," Winter continued. "Armor and Grab."
One of the Beringels raised its arm, and red black energy flared outward, hardening around its forearm and chest like a living shield. A simulated attack struck it moments later and glanced off harmlessly, dispersing sparks across the barrier.
Another Beringel lunged forward. The same energy surged from its hand, forming an elongated construct that snapped outward like a clawed tether. It wrapped around a projected operative and yanked them violently off their feet, dragging them closer in a brutal arc.
"They use these abilities to isolate targets," Winter said. "If one of you is grabbed, the others will close in immediately."
The projection shifted again. This time, a group of Rank 1 awakened engaged the Beringels. Jaune watched as coordinated attacks brought one down, only for the others to retaliate with frightening speed. The Beringels did not panic, rather they adapted and covered one another, armor overlapping, grabs timed to disrupt formations.
"They are not Beowolves," Winter said firmly. "So make sure to treat them with respect."
The simulation dissolved and their massive forms faded back into light.
Then the room seemed to darken.
The ground trembled, not physically but visually, as if the simulation itself anticipated what was coming next. A shadow began to form, vast and oppressive, its outline barely contained within the projected skyline.
The Goliath emerged.
Jaune found himself staring upward instinctively, even though he knew it was only a projection. The creature was colossal, easily the height of a ten story building. Its body was a mountain of Grimm flesh and armor, legs like towers, shoulders broad enough to blot out sections of the simulated sky. Its head was small by comparison, but its presence was overwhelming.
"Goliaths," Winter said quietly, "are walking disasters."
The creature took a step forward, and the ground beneath it fractured outward in a violent ripple. Buildings collapsed in the distance, dust and debris thrown into the air.
"They typically travel alone," Winter continued. "They do not need allies."
Jaune swallowed.
Its armor was unlike anything he had seen. Layer upon layer of hardened plating interlocked across its body, glowing faintly with red markings that pulsed in slow, ominous patterns.
"Common rune manifestations among Goliaths are Quake, Trumpet, and Fulminate."
The simulation demonstrated each in turn.
The Goliath slammed its foot into the ground. A shockwave rippled outward, the earth splitting as simulated operatives were thrown off balance. Structures cracked and fell as if made of paper.
"Quake," Winter said. "Is an area wide denial and mass disruption, rune."
Next, the Goliath reared back and released a deafening roar. The sound itself became visible, a concussive wave that shattered debris and buildings, sending operatives clutching at their heads, as their armor and weapons broke violently.
"Trumpet," Winter continued. " Is a sound based attack. Lethal at close range."
Finally, the Goliath's red markings glowed intensely for a brief moment before erupting in a massive explosion of red and black energy. The blast consumed everything around it, leaving a crater in its wake.
"Fulminate," Winter said. "If a Goliath has this, it's usually used as a last resort or an opening move, depending on their temperament."
Jaune exhaled slowly.
"Rank 2's like me are instructed to eliminate all Goliaths we see on sight," Winter added. "Regardless if the Goliath's apparent rank is lower than ours. They are too dangerous to leave unchecked."
The projection shifted again, showing dilapidated wilderness landscapes rather than cityscapes.
"They rarely emerge from Nightmare Zones near populated areas," Winter said. "Most sightings occur in remote regions. We keep it that way."
The Goliath faded, the oppressive weight lifting with it.
The final projection formed more quietly.
A shape swooped down from above, wings slicing through the simulated air with sharp precision. It landed atop a ruined building, crouched low, tail flicking behind it.
A Manticore.
It was leaner than the others, built for speed rather than brute force. Its body was sleek and its wings were broad and powerful. A barbed tail curled behind it, dripping with faintly glowing venom. Its face was sharp and predatory, eyes scanning constantly.
"Manticores are rarer," Winter said. "But they are native to this region."
The creature launched itself back into the air, diving toward a simulated operative with terrifying speed. Claws flashed, raking across the projection before it soared upward again.
"They commonly manifest runes similar to Deathstalkers and Beowolves," Winter explained. "Sting and Claw."
The simulation showed a Manticore striking repeatedly from above with projected red and black energy tail attacks, its attacks precise and relentless. It never stayed grounded for long, always repositioning and always hunting.
"Their threat level is comparable to Beowolves," Winter said. "But their aerial mobility makes them far more dangerous to the unprepared."
The projection paused, the Manticore frozen mid flight.
Winter turned to face them fully now.
"These Grimm define Atlas operations," she said. "They are powerful and disciplined in their own way. Most importantly, they are unforgiving."
Jaune glanced at Blake and Weiss. Both were focused, absorbing every detail.
Winter's gaze lingered on Jaune for a moment longer.
"You will adapt," she said. "But do not underestimate this region. Atlas does not forgive complacency."
The simulation room dimmed, projections fading away until only the three of them and Winter remained, standing on the quiet floor of controlled illusion.
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AN: Advanced chapters are available on patreon